Page 39 of A Shore Fling
Groaning, I begin to press the heels of my hands into my eyes, jerking them back at the last second. I almost forgot I’m wearing eye makeup.Why did I go through the extra effort? Will he even notice? And do I want him to?
He doesn’t seem like the type of guy to hand out compliments freely. He’s more likely to deliver a backhanded one. Maybe he’ll compare my lashes to a spider’s legs and think he’s complimenting me.
Despite Travis being grumpy, moody, and blunt, it hasn’t escaped me how responsible and loyal he is. He’s protective in a way that makes my insides melt a little, though I loathe to admit that, even to myself.
And of course, his naked chest looks like he’s carved from marble and bad decisions.
A firm knock sounds at the front door, making my pulse skitter. I smooth a hand down the front of my sleeveless dress, panicking about being overdressed. I spent too much time in front of the closet in a silent battle with myself over what to wear. I finally decided to go with the first item my hand made contact with, and now it’s too late for doubts.
Curving my lips in a small smile, I open the door. Travis stands there, one hand on the doorframe, the other holding a bottle of wine. His black hair is damp and combed back from his face as if he had just showered. He smells like a mix of soap and cologne, which only adds another knot to my tangled feelings for him.
“Hey,” he says, his deep voice rumbling softly.
“Come in.” I step aside and ask, “Where’s Jordan?”
“Uh…” He steps inside the cottage and pulls out his phone. “He just texted.” He glances down, thumb hovering over the screen. His jaw tightens.
I lean over a little and read the first part of the message.
Jordan: Change of plans. You’re on your own. Make the most of it.
Travis exhales, as if he’s not pleased with his brother bailing on us. He pockets his phone before meeting my eyes. “Jordan’s not coming.”
I raise a brow. “Oh? Why not?”
He gives a slow shake of his head. “He said something about not wanting to be a third wheel.”
I laugh. “He’s funny.”
“He’s not.”
A few seconds awkwardly pass as we stare at one another. “Well,” I say, forcing the perfect hostess smile on my lips, “Imade enough food for three people, so I guess that means you’ll be eating extra.”
“I can handle that,” he says, finally cracking the faintest smile. God help me, but I feel it down to my toes.
Grabbing the bottle opener I found in a drawer, I pass it to him. “I’ll let you do the honors.”
He takes it from me, and our fingers barely brush, but somehow it’s enough to ratchet up my attraction to him.Get a grip, girl.I’m not some innocent college student experiencing a crush for the first time. But I am a thirty-five-year-old woman who hasn’t had sex in ages. With all the social functions I attend, I’ve had plenty of opportunities. I’m just discerning when it comes to who I get naked with. And pretentious assholes don’t make the cut.
Travis pours the wine while I move the extra place setting over to the counter. “Help yourself to some appetizers.”
He sets the bottle down before plucking some mini bruschetta from the tray. He pops the small piece in his mouth, enthusiastically nodding as he chews. “That’s delicious.”
“Thanks. It’s easy to make, so it meets my cooking criteria.”
“Do you do a lot of home cooking, or do you usually get takeout?” he asks.
“Back in the city, when I’m working, I eat a lot of takeout during the week. On the weekends, I try to cook my meals. What about you?”
“I try to cook as often as possible, but I end up grabbing pizza at least once a week.”
“Don’t you know, pizza doesn’t count,” I say with a conspiratorial smile.
He nods slowly. “That’s true.”
“Go ahead and sit down. I’ll be right with you.” My hand brushes across his back as I pass by on my way to the stove.I scoop chicken, rice, and vegetables onto our plates and then deliver them to the table.
“Wow. This looks amazing,” he says, placing his napkin on his lap. Taking the seat across from him, I do the same, trying not to think about how small this table is. Or how close our knees are underneath it.
